WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the U.S. Census Bureau report on Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage:

"Today's announcement by the Census Bureau that our poverty rate fell for the first time in three years is welcome news, as is the fact that 1.3 million more Americans have health insurance coverage, a sign that the Affordable Care Act is working.

"However, amid the good news are stark reminders that we have more work to do to strengthen our economy. With the gap between the rich and poor continuing to grow, and with real median household income down 1.5%, Congress cannot ignore the serious economic challenges facing our middle class.

"I continue to call on House Republicans to stop choosing confrontation over compromise, and instead work with Democrats to create jobs and move our economic recovery forward. One step we can take is to pass bills that are part of the Make It In America plan, which aims to strengthen American manufacturing and create well-paying jobs. We must take action to create opportunities for Americans to climb out of poverty, access affordable health insurance, and earn a decent living that enables them to pursue the American Dream."